Modelers and Musicians
PLAY THAT FUNKY MUSIC FLYBOY
By Jay Smith
Aeromodeling and being a musician has brought me a lot of joy throughout the years. Both hobbies started when I was young and have continued to keep my interest throughout much of my lifetime.
Since my first bass guitar (which I still own), I’ve acquired a few more, including a Fender Precision as well as a Peavey and Fender amplifier. I have also dabbled in guitar and have owned two Les Pauls and a Stratocaster.
Looking back, I have fond memories of visiting hobby shops and music stores, looking for the latest and greatest model airplane or musical instrument.
Today, I think learning to play music is much easier, thanks to the internet. Want to learn how to play as song? Chances are you can find a video online that provides free instruction. I recently went this route to learn how to play the theme song to “The Munsters” television show.
When I came to work at the AMA, I was amazed at how many employees, contributors, and fellow modelers also were musically inclined. So here are a few stories from modelers who are musicians.
What instrument do you play and what is the make and model of your primary/favorite instrument?
I play the guitar and have a bit of a collection—more than 15 of them—but I still don’t read music.
How did you get started playing music and who were your influences?
My dad was gifted and played the guitar and the piano. He showed me a few songs on the guitar and I continued from there.
How long have you been playing?
I should be more accomplished than I am because I have been playing for 53 years.
What type of music do you play?
I normally play instrumental versions (solo) of popular tunes like “Annie’s Song,” “This Guy’s in Love with You,” “Both Sides Now,” and “Something.” I did, however, also play lead guitar as a member of an all-astronaut rock band named Max Q from 1987 through 1996.
If you could play with any musician, whom would it be and why?
I would want to play along with Roger McGuinn of The Byrds and Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues.
What instrument do you play and what is the make and model of your primary/favorite instrument?
I’m a baritone singer who plays guitar and bass. Bass is my primary instrument, although I’ve played guitar for many years. I have a dozen or so vintage guitars, but only a few treasured basses. My favorites are my vintage Dan Armstrong bass, bought new in 1969, and my custom fretless Fender Precision Bass.
I also have a large collection of vintage Sunn tube amplifiers, and my favorite large-stage rig is a Sunn 2000S head with two 2000S 2 x 15 cabinets. In smaller venues, I use a Sunn 200S head with a single Sunn 115S or 200S 2 x 15 cabinet.
How did you get started in playing music and who were your influences?
My earliest influences were doo-wop groups and original rockers like Little Richard and Chuck Berry. I used to sing along to records by everyone from Frank Sinatra and Eddie Fisher to Elvis Presley and Chubby Checker.
By 1963 I was playing in popular New York City lounges with various groups. Elliott Randall (of Steely Dan) and I had several projects together in the 1960s, and at one point, Billy Joel worked with me playing a Hammond organ. Elliott and I backed up The Ronettes (“Be My Baby”) for a time at the Café Bizarre in Greenwich Village, and I still get choked up when I hear Ronnie Bennett (Spector) sing.
Later, I was a big fan of Jack Bruce (Cream), Leslie West (Mountain and West, Bruce and Lang), and Joe Walsh (James Gang and the Eagles). The bass player I respect most is my longtime friend, Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, and Beck, Bogert & Appice).
How long have you been playing?
More than 50 years. I started playing guitar in the late 1950s, mostly by listening to live bands that my family brought in to perform in its nightclub. Buzz Clifford (“Baby Sittin’ Boogie”) was a musical guest one weekend. He heard me fumbling on an old Kay acoustic guitar and taught me my first few chords. He was very cool.
What type of music do you play?
With the exception of classical, there really isn’t any form of music that I haven’t played at one time or another. I love old ’50s and ’60s rock ’n’ roll, but I still try to keep reasonably versatile. The ’60s- and ’70s-style soul/rhythm and blues (Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Chuck Jackson, and Dusty Springfield) will always be high on my list of favorites. For me, Bruno Mars is the perfect throwback in today’s market—lots of genuine talent in that guy. Love the James Gang and Roberta Flack.
If you could play with any musician, whom would it be and why?
Two old friends come to mind. Larry Brian and I sang, played, and recorded together through several projects during the 1970s. Our vibrato was perfectly matched, and we played good rock ’n’ roll—loud, hard, and in your face! Being on stage again with Larry would be a trip.
On another note, Chubby Checker and I have been friends for nearly 50 years. I was his musical director for a while in the ’60s, and I toured with him again in July of last year (2015). He’s still a powerful stage presence, and his shows are lots of fun—a refreshing change from contemporary rock music’s darkness and pretense.
I’ve always valued being an entertainer much higher than mere musicianship, and Chubby’s shows are all about giving his audience a good time.
[In April, Jeff Troy rejoined Chubby’s tour as bass player, musical director, and tour manager.]
What instrument do you play and what is the make and model of your primary/favorite instrument?
My main instrument is guitar and I play enough piano/keyboards to add them to my recordings. I have always been a Strat guy and my current favorite is a black ’59 Fender Custom Shop model, but that changes depending on the musical situation I’m involved in.
How did you get started in playing music and who were your influences?
My dad gave me a stack of old Elvis records when I was 5 years old and that sparked my interest. Hearing a classmate’s Kiss Destroyer record in third grade sealed the deal. My biggest influences are David Gilmour, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, and Jeff Beck. I like a lot of jazz and fusion players too.
How long have you been playing?
I received my first guitar, a cheap Sear’s acoustic, when I was 8 years old. I’ve been obsessed ever since. I’m 47 years old. I also studied piano for several years in my early teens. I attended the Atlanta Institute of Music in the early ’90s and studied privately with Jimmy Herring, one of the best players on the planet.
What type of music do you play?
I play a little bit of everything. I’m a child of the ’70s, so my preference is classic rock and progressive rock from that era. I’m a wannabe jazz player, which is a lifelong pursuit. The more you learn, the more you realize you don’t know, but it keeps you engaged because there is always a new concept to explore.
I currently play in a classic rock cover band as well as a country/Americana band called Russ Still and the Moonshiners. It’s nice having steady gigs again!
If you could play with any musician, whom would it be and why?
I’ve spent decades dissecting the music of David Gilmour and Pink Floyd and I used to play in a Pink Floyd tribute band. I’d love to get to play with Mr. Gilmour! Jimmy Page would be awesome, too!
What instrument do you play and what is the make and model of your primary/favorite instrument?
I started with piano, then expanded through the woodwinds (most of them) during junior high, and finally added guitar during grad school. These days, when I play it’s mostly guitar—on a Fender Telecaster.
How did you get started in playing music and who were your influences?
During preschool, a lady named Rita Joyce came with a bunch of tiny keyboards to teach the class some basics (“Mary Had a Little Lamb” and the like). I was super into it, and after that finished, I demanded to keep going and learn more. Out of the handful of clear memories that I have from before the age of 5, playing with my preschool class is one of them.
I love all types of music, and have been influenced by a broad variety of musicians. Early on, The Doors were a clear favorite, but I listened to a lot of rock, blues, Motown/R&B, hip-hop, etc. Later on, a quirky—and perhaps not super well-known—musician by the name of Jonathan Richman became a big influence on my writing.
How long have you been playing?
Almost 30 years.
What type of music do you play?
On piano, classical. On guitar, mostly my own brand of punk-pop-nerd-rock, and occasionally Chinese pop.
If you could play with any musician, whom would it be and why?
Tough question. These days, I’d probably say Matt Cohen (a former flatmate and bandmate). He’s the one who taught me guitar, and over the years we composed a lot of fun music together. It was an interesting growth process, and we were on a steep learning curve when I moved away from Boston.
Peter Goldsmith, Horizon Hobby
What instrument do you play and what is the make and model of your primary/favorite instrument?
Bass guitar. My favorite is the Lakeland. Lakeland bass guitars have an awesome tonal range.
How did you get started playing music and who were your influences?
I was at a flying retreat sometime in the early ’90s and we had a jam session in the evening. I ended up playing the bass because it was the only instrument left, and I’ve loved it ever since. I love Talking Heads, U2, The Police, and a bunch of the early ’80s gang. Adam Clayton from U2 is one of my favorites, Glen Jones, and of course, Flea.
How long have you been playing?
On and off for about 20 years.
What type of music do you play?
Pretty much anything. I play in church when I’m home, plus several fun-type cover bands—Sefftones and Nallman Brothers comes to mind. I’ve even played in the Horizon Band for Christmas parties and picnics, etc.
If you could play with any musician, whom would it be and why?
Would love to jam with Santana.
Jim Graham, “Born to Fly” Columnist
What instrument do you play and what is the make and model of your primary/favorite instrument?
I play the electric guitar. I have around 22 guitars, but the one I always grab is a Telecaster I made from 300-year-old barn wood. I have built more guitars since that first one, but it seems to feel the best and really sing.
How did you get started in playing music and who were your influences?
My uncle was a bluegrass picker and pilot. Each month he would have a bluegrass night in his hangar in Saddler, Texas. The first thing I ever really wanted was a guitar at the age of 5. It is the one constant in my life. I currently want a Gibson 335.
I’m into Billy Gibbons, John Lee Hooker, and B.B. King. I also love alternative country and Texas music. Ultimately, I guess my uncle would be my first influence. A stranger from the internet recently sent me the digital tracks to an album my uncle released in 1976 that is long out of print. It was great to hear him play again.
How long have you been playing?
Since the age of 5. I really should be a much better picker. My first guitar teacher was hit by car. I have been teaching myself to play ever since.
What type of music do you play?
Currently I play the blues. I have taught myself other styles, but if I’m playing for fun, it’s B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, the Allman Brothers, and Hooker. All rock is from the blues, so it’s basically all the same thing.
I have multiple set lists and the neighbors get to hear them periodically during the summer. Nothing like going up the street to lift weights and someone from down the street says, “Man you really were killing that Allman Brothers song yesterday!”
If you could play with any musician, whom would it be and why?
The very first name that pops into my head is Stevie Ray Vaughn but maybe that’s too easy. I think if I had to spend a week with one of my heroes picking and hanging out, it would be Duane Allman. To me, he really bridged the gap between the blues and rock. He was tied into those old blues guys and really could work that slide. He was a leader and ultracool dude. Plus, when I unbraid my hair I look like an Allman brother from the ’70s.
Dave Gee, “Safety Comes First” Columnist
What instrument do you play and what is the make and model of your primary/favorite instrument?
I play guitar. My favorite is a Yamaha acoustic, but I have also owned and enjoyed Fender electrics.
How did you get started in playing music and who were your influences?
As a teenager, I thought it would help me impress girls. Lacking wealth, looks, and a fancy car, I had nothing to lose by trying. Turned out that young women of that era were indeed pleased to have someone play and sing for them. It was worth the time I took away from making models.
How long have you been playing?
Forty years. I’m self-taught, which I do not recommend. It took a long time to unlearn the bad habits I acquired initially, and which soon impeded my progress. As with model aircraft, a skilled instructor is the most direct path to success.
What type of music do you play?
Songs that sound good with a single voice and acoustic guitar: Beatles, John Denver (who was a private pilot, by the way), ’70s pop tunes, folk music, and whatever else is fun to play.
If you could play with any musician, whom would it be and why?
I’d play rhythm guitar in the Glenn Miller Orchestra, because swing just didn’t get any bigger than that. Plus, then I could wear a cool fedora hat.
Bob Hunt, “Control Line Aerobatics” Columnist
What instrument do you play and what is the make and model of your primary/favorite instrument?
I’m a guitar player, and like most other guitar players, I have several instruments. I prefer Taylor guitars (even though I live within 2 miles of the Martin Guitar factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania), and my favorite one is my Taylor 516ce acoustic. I just purchased a real collector’s item; it’s an all-mahogany Taylor 2011 Spring LTD Grand Concert guitar. It may soon become my favorite. My favorite electric guitar is my 1964 vintage Epiphone ES230 TD Casino.
How did you get started in playing music and who were your influences?
A high school friend, David Lewis, taught me how to play on a beautiful, old Gibson Hummingbird acoustic around 1968 or so. My earliest influence was Buddy Holly, but when I started playing in the late 1960s, I was listening to James Taylor, Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, and Larry Coryell, among many others.
How long have you been playing?
Around 48 years I figure, but I spent most of that time just hacking around with the guitar. Only recently have I started taking serious lessons in an effort to become a much better player.
This recent interest was sparked by a desire to start writing my own music. I’ve become a huge fan of Jackson Browne, and have marveled at his ability to move people with his melodies and lyrics. That appealed to me.
What type of music do you play?
I’d like to think that now I am starting to try to emulate, in a very small way, the great singers/songwriters of the past and present. I like Jackson Browne, so I play a lot of his stuff (“These Days,” “Your Bright Baby Blues,” etc.) I also like James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Richard Thompson, and especially Tommy Emmanuel, although I usually just want to burn my guitar after listening to him.
My main interest these days is in becoming proficient at Travis Picking (a style of finger picking). And, I’ve made great strides in that style of playing over the past year and a half. I’ve been taking lessons from Chip Mergott, whom I’ve known for more than 45 years. Chip is an outstanding singer/songwriter (look him up on YouTube!). He has me writing my own stuff, and now I’m beginning to record some of it on a Tascam 8-track digital recorder/mixer.
If you could play with any musician, whom would it be and why?
Well, I’m pretty happy playing with Chip! If pressed to list someone who is better known, it would have to be Jackson Browne. I also enjoy playing with Bill Werwage. Bill is a three-time F2B (Control Line Aerobatics) World Champion, but he made his living as a professional guitar player. Bill played with many of the greats and also played as a studio musician.
Shawn Grubbs, AMA Membership Director
What instrument do you play and what is the make and model of your primary/favorite instrument?
I currently play Ludwig drums with Zildjian cymbals. My favorite was a Ludwig Vistalite set—I played a 1976 model up until 2013 when I bought a new set. I sold it, and just like my first car, I wish I hadn’t.
How did you get started in playing music and who were your influences?
I started playing because my older brother was friends with a guy who played, and after watching him play, I was hooked. One of my top two influences is Max Jones—previous band director of my high school. He taught me more than just music. He taught appreciation of the music and instrument, manners, and teamwork.
Mr. Jones is currently at Purdue and is the director of the Partners in Music Education Program, instructor of the All-American Marching Band, and Director of Boiler Brass.
My other influence is Dr. Erwin Mueller, a professor at Ball State University. I took private lessons from him for seven years. He is a man full of knowledge about percussion instruments—absolutely the best percussionist I have ever met! Dr. Mueller retired in 2013. He took me from marimba all the way through to drum set. You could not receive lessons from him without going through these steps.
How long have you been playing?
For 37 years.
What type of music do you play?
Currently rock, blues, and jazz.
If you could play with any musician, whom would it be and why?
Gene Krupa, a jazz drummer back in the ’30s and ’40s, was at the cutting edge of power drum set playing. He was not only one of the greatest set players ever, but also very influential in designing drums. He convinced H.H. Slingerland, of Slingerland Drums, to make tunable tom-toms. Tom-toms up to that point had “tacked” heads, which left little ability to change the sound.
Bill Pritchett, AMA Education Director
What instrument do you play and what is the make and model of your primary/favorite instrument?
I play the trumpet—a Yamaha YTR-Z.
How did you get started in playing music and who were your influences?
My mom, then Al Hirt, Herb Alpert, Bill Chase, and Doc Severinsen.
How long have you been playing?
I’ve been playing since the third grade.
What type of music do you play?
I don’t play anymore, but it was always mostly commercial stuff.
If you could play with any musician, who would it be and why?
I’d love to play with Earth, Wind, & Fire—great horn parts!
Steve Weaver, AMA Custom Products
What instrument do you play and what is the make and model of your primary/favorite instrument?
The instrument pictured is the only one I play. It’s an early 1970s model Sekova, a Japanese hollow-body, six-string classic guitar. I like it because of the thin neck and close action of the strings to the frets. It’s easy to play and has a nice sound.
How did you get started in playing music and who were your influences?
This is actually my second guitar. My first one was an old Montgomery Ward Harmony hollow body, blonde, F-note six string. I had it overhauled with new keys, etc. and gave it to my son when he started playing.
How long have you been playing?
I had an early interest when the Beatles arrived in the USA back in 1964. I guess they were my influences. Some of my friends were taking up various instruments and starting pickup combo bands. My dad bought the Harmony for me around 1966, but I never had anyone to really teach me and lost interest after a while.
What type of music do you play?
I had always wanted to learn how to play and had the good fortune of making friends in the Navy with a guy who patiently taught me the basics. I diligently practiced during those long days/nights at sea aboard ship and eventually progressed on my own.
I bought this particular Sekova guitar during my 1974 Mediterranean cruise, from my squadron mate who first taught me. He purchased a beautiful Spanish guitar in Palma de Mallorca and sold me his old one for $75.
If you could play with any musician, whom would it be and why?
I have been playing off and on since 1974 (more off than on). I like country and western, country rock, and some old rock ’n’ roll. If I could play with anyone famous, it would be Roy Clark, but I know I wouldn’t be able to keep up. He can play anything: classical, Spanish, country and western, and rock ’n’ roll. He’s very versatile. Just listen to his rendition of “Malagueña” to get an appreciation of his talent.
Matt Ruddick, AMA Media Producer
What instrument do you play and what is the make and model of your primary/favorite instrument?
If I had to choose a favorite instrument that I own, I’d have to choose my 2001 Martin OM-28 guitar, although, my 2015 Martin D-35 runs a close second place!
How did you get started in playing music and who were your influences?
I began playing music at a young age. I got my first guitar at the age of 8, but never quite learned how to play it. In the seventh grade, I joined the school band and chose the trombone as my primary instrument, thanks to my admiration for Commander William T. Riker of the USS Enterprise (“Star Trek: Next Generation”).
In the early 2000s, I became a big fan of guitar-based singer/songwriters like John Mayer, Eric Clapton, Damien Rice, and Matt Scannell. I bought a guitar on a whim in 2006 and have been playing ever since.
How long have you been playing?
I’ve been playing the trombone for around 18 years and the guitar for around 10 years.
What type of music do you play?
I generally play acoustic pop and adult contemporary acoustic music.
If you could play with any musician, whom would it be and why?
If I could choose one musician to play with, I think Eric Clapton would probably be at the top of my list. I’m not sure that I could pass up the chance to perform with someone who has had so much influence on popular music over such a long period of time.
Brent Sullivan, AMA Information Technology
What instrument do you play and what is the make and model of your primary/favorite instrument?
I play guitar, specifically a Fender Stratocaster.
How did you get started in playing music and who were your influences?
My cousin and I would just play our acoustic guitars in college for hours trying to learn a couple of songs on our own. We were mostly influenced by the early ’90s grunge rock scene.
How long have you been playing?
I started playing in college, so about 18 years, but never consistently.
What type of music do you play?
Only rock ’n’ roll.
If you could play with any musician, whom would it be and why?
Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready or Stone Gossard. They are members of my favorite band and they always seem to have fun up on stage.
They have been with me throughout my time of growing up and trying to play music. They are the one constant that I always go back to when I pick up the guitar after a long layoff of not playing.
Jay Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Model Aviation and Park Pilot
What instrument do you play and what is the make and model of your primary/favorite instrument?
I mainly play bass and dabble with guitar. My favorites are my Ibanez Roadstar and Fender Precision basses.
How did you get started in playing music and who were your influences?
My grandfather played stand-up bass in the Army band, and later with other bands, and a close friend played guitar and the thought was that we could jam together.
My influences go from Jimi Hendrix to Black Sabbath. Geddy Lee from Rush is one of my favorite bassists.
How long have you been playing?
On and off for about 30 years.
What type of music do you play?
Rock, blues, and heavy metal.
If you could play with any musician, whom would it be and why?
I would rather play bass backing up a great guitarist, so it would have to be Jimi Hendrix. I have been fortunate enough to meet Billy Cox, one of Jimi’s bass players!
—Jay Smith
jays@modelaircraft.org
